Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Willa and Woof 3: Grandparents for Hire – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia January 2023 It makes me very happy that my first review for 2023 is for my lovely friend, and über-talented creator, Jacqueline Harvey for #3 in her latest sensational series. Jacqueline has a sublime knack for creating character with whom readers can immediately connect, empathise and love, and Willa – along with her…

  • Christmas Goodies

    Zola and the Christmas Lights – Melina Marchetta/Deb Hudson Penguin Australia October 2022 For the entirety of the delightful What Zola did On… series, Melina Marchetta consistently delivered such beautiful and meaningful messages to young readers around diversity, community, empathy, friendship and family, all without once becoming preachy or tedious. It truly was joyful to…

  • Frankie Stein – Kylie Covark/Shane McG

    Ford St Publishing September 2022 ISBN: 9781922696120 RRP: $16.95 It has been fantastic in recent years to see the growth in girls becoming more interested in science disciplines. I know I have loved running my Geek Girls groups and hosting events from Tech Girls and the like. And it is equally pleasing to see more…

  • Spark – M.G. Leonard

    Walker Books September 2022 Imprint:Walker Books ISBN13:9781406389388 Australia RRP:$18.99 New Zealand RRP:$21.99 There is something quintessentially English about a group of children who are into bird-watching I think, especially when combined with all the other great things going on in this series. A diverse cast of characters, an appealing setting where the kids can roam…

  • Dreaming by Starlight – Siobhan Curham

    Walker Books August 2022 ISBN13:9781529504019 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99

  • Ash Barty presents Little Ash…:Ash Barty with Jasmin McGaughey/Jade Goodwin

    Harper Collins July 2022 Little Ash Perfect Match! #1 ISBN : 9781460762769 ISBN 10: 1460762762 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 9.99 AUD Little Ash Friendship Fix-it! #2 ISBN: 9781460762776 ISBN 10: 1460762770 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 9.99 AUD Little Ash Tennis Rush! #3 ISBN: 9781460762783 ISBN 10: 1460762789 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 9.99 AUD Little Ash Goal Getter #4 ISBN: 9781460762790 ISBN 10: 1460762797 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List…

  • The Book of Wondrous Possibilities – Deborah Abela

    Penguin Australia 2 August 2022 ISBN: 9781761044021 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 From the opening paragraph this brilliant book simply sparkles with magic and adventure – unsurprisingly, for those of us who have followed Deborah Abela’s writing career for years! My first encounter with this joyful creator was when, as the organiser of an extravaganza showcase at Marrickville Library,…

  • The Silver Sea – Belinda Murrell

    Penguin Australia August 2022 ISBN: 9781761045554 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 Young Sophie is still living with her grandmother while her mum and brother are busy with Archie’s summer camp for young geniuses. During her summer sojourn Sophie has discovered, by complete accident, her Nanna’s connection with beautiful Tuscia and the Rossellana family. After one grand adventure, Sophie has…

  • Willa and Woof 1: Mimi is Missing – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Random House  5 July 2022 ISBN: 9781761043314 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 Question: What’s more exciting than a brand spanking new Jacqueline Harvey book? Answer: A brand-new Jacqueline Harvey series!! That’s right folks! In case you’ve missed the excitement of last week’s release AND – can you believe it? – television ads to promote it! – Jacqueline’s…

  • Gus and the Starlight – Victoria Carless

    Harper Collins May 2022 ISBN: 9781460760642 ISBN 10: 1460760646 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 16.99 AUD This is such a completely fresh take on both family stories and ghost stories. It is charming, poignant and thoroughly engaging for readers from around mid-primary to lower secondary. Gus is tired of moving house and never belonging anywhere. It’s the reason she…